Obituary of Thomas Michael Battistella

Thomas M. Battistella, Calumet Park Fire Chief, Retired, passed from this life Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at the age of 65. He is the beloved husband of Debra L. nee Haywood. The couple were united in marriage on September 29, 1973. Thomas is the loving father of William (Theresa) Battistella, Christina Battistella and Cynthia (Jason) Woods. He is the devoted grandfather of David, Kaitlyn, Andrew, Johnathan Thomas, Jacob and Jeremiah. Thomas was the cherished son of the late Pasquale A. Battistella and Kathryn M. nee Howells. He is the dear brother of Kenneth (Bernadette) Battistella and Patrick (late Janet) Battistella. Thomas is the fond uncle and cherished friend of many. Thomas devoted his life to the village of Calumet Park as a firefighter from 1970 to 2014, serving as Chief from 1980 until his retirement in 2014. He was an outstanding leader and role model to numerous firefighters. Thomas was also the owner and operator of T&D Electric. Thomas was dedicated to his family and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with them and always going that extra mile to make their vacations memorable, becoming known as the "Vacation Guru". He spent his free time as a Lionel Train modeler, coin collector, and teaching his family to make homemade pasta dishes. Visitation for Thomas will be held Thursday, May 11, 2017, from 3:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the Krueger Funeral Home, 13050 S. Greenwood Ave., Blue Island. Chapel prayers will begin Friday at 9:00 am at the funeral home then to St. Christopher Church, 4130 W. 147th St., Midlothian for mass at 10:30 am. Interment will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip.